Massachusetts and Rhode Island award three contracts totaling 2,878 MW
For Immediate Release: September 6, 2024
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — Oceantic Network celebrates today’s conclusion of the latest offshore wind procurement round in New England. Massachusetts and Rhode Island awarded contracts to Oceantic Network member companies Avangrid, Ocean Winds, and Vineyard Offshore, resulting in the largest offshore wind procurement in New England history. Three projects received contracts from the state: New England Wind 1 (Avangrid), SouthCoast Wind (Ocean Winds), and Vineyard Wind 2.
Collectively, these projects will deliver 2,878 MW of clean energy to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, enough to power over 1.5 million homes. Massachusetts will receive 1,087 MW from SouthCoast Wind, 800 MW from Vineyard Wind 2, and 791 MW from New England Wind 1, while Rhode Island will receive 200 MW from SouthCoast Wind. During the projects’ construction periods, they’ll use purpose-built American vessels, manufacturing facilities, and deep-water ports that have undergone massive redevelopment to support the offshore wind industry, including New Bedford and Salem, Massachusetts as well as ProvPort in Rhode Island. The construction activity will also drive further investment in the regional supply chain, with Avangrid committed to establishing a new facility in New Bedford that will produce cranes used in offshore installation.
The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, president and CEO at Oceantic Network:
“Today’s results demonstrate the success, efficacy and value of a regional offshore wind solicitation to achieve state clean energy goals and regional economic targets. Massachusetts and Rhode Island have increased the total capacity under contract in the U.S. market by over 20%, to more than 15 GW of offshore wind energy. These three new projects will drive the industry well into the next decade, delivering jobs, investment and economic activity to further develop a robust Northeast supply chain in shipbuilding, manufacturing, and maritime industries. The results are clear: a regional offshore wind solicitation model can deliver a blend of regional and state-level benefits while securing a long term, reliable source of clean energy.”
Additional Information:
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, Oceantic Network strives to help businesses find success in offshore wind and other ocean renewable industries. We’re mobilizing governments, corporations, and organized labor to take advantage of the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 400+ members are equipping American communities with the tools they need to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities. For more information about Network membership, products and services, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
